So Very Vermilion

People can't get enough of these birds.  I know I know!  I'm the same way.  I have to take a picture of them everytime I see them!  In fact, I have about a gazillion photos of these birds so I thought I'd try getting them in flight.  Not so easy but they are predictable as they fly in a circle capturing bugs.

I spotted the female first in the Mesquite tree.  But then I noticed her red mate nearby.  Both are beautiful flycatchers.

Did you know?

In winter, Tucson has the highest count of Vermilion flycatchers in the US?  I always spot them early early in the morning right away.  I could be looking for the rarest bird in the world and this bird holds me up for just a lingering glance:)

Most Tucsonans will go for walks around our parks and glance this bird.  One day, I was with a group of birders who watched the flycatcher have some fun.  An excited person came up to us and said, "You look like birders.  What is that cool looking red bird over there?"  Vermilion Flycatcher.

For some reason, I never see them at Sweetwater which is weird to me.  But the best places to spot them are at Reid Park, Kennedy Park, Columbus Park, Lakeside Park, Ft. Lowell park. Or any parks with water:) Look near fence lines, tops of trees, and nearby water sources. I even spotted several at a cemetery! They perch out in the open for bugs, zip in a circle and return back to their spot.

Wherever there are many bugs, there are Vermilion Flycatchers.  Many times they will be in pairs.

Sometimes they are curious and will fly right next to you.....if you're lucky:)  More tomorrow....